Dracula [Audible Edition]

4.6 (36,326 ratings)

Written by: Bram Stoker

Performed by: Alan Cumming, Tim Curry, Simon Vance, Katherine Kellgren, Susan Duerden, John Lee, Graeme Malcolm, Steven Crossley

Length: 15 hrs 27 mins

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Dracula is a seminal work of Gothic fiction that has transcended its literary roots to become a fixture in popular culture. Written by Bram Stoker in 1897, this novel employs a unique structure, using letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings to relate the chilling tale of Count Dracula, a vampire from Transylvania who seeks to extend his undead scourge to England. This form of storytelling provides a multi-perspective view on the unfolding horrors, enhancing the novel’s sense of realism and terror.

The plot unfolds with Jonathan Harker, an English solicitor, journeying to Dracula's castle in the Carpathian Mountains to assist the Count with a real estate purchase in London. Harker's visit reveals the Count’s vampiric nature and marks the beginning of a battle between Dracula and a group determined to stop him. This group includes Abraham Van Helsing, Dr. John Seward, and Harker’s fiancée, Mina Murray, among others. As Dracula enacts his plan, this band of protagonists seeks to thwart his efforts and ultimately destroy him.

Though not an immediate success upon its release, Dracula has since received critical acclaim for its effective use of horror and exploration of themes such as sexuality, race, and colonialism. What's more, its characters, mostly notably Count Dracula, have become nothing short of legendary. Various adaptations and reinterpretations in film, theatre, and other media have further cemented Dracula’s status as a classic.

Recognized for its pioneering use of the vampire myth to explore dark themes and societal anxieties, Dracula continues to be a subject of academic study and cultural fascination. Despite the passage of more than a century since its initial publication, Bram Stoker's iconic novel remains a significant work of Gothic literature and horror fiction.

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About the author

Abraham "Bram" Stoker is immortalized as the author of Dracula. First published in 1897, this iconic work of Gothic literature has exerted a profound influence on horror fiction, horror films, and popular culture for more than a century.

Stoker was born on November 8, 1847, in Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland. His early life was marked by a miraculous recovery from an unspecified illness, which kept him bedridden until the age of seven. This early period of enforced isolation contributed to the development of his imagination. He went on to attain a comprehensive education at Trinity College Dublin, excelling in science, mathematics, and history while also distinguishing himself as an athlete.

Stoker's career took a significant turn when he became the theater critic for the Dublin Evening Mail and later the personal assistant and business manager for the celebrated actor Sir Henry Irving at London's Lyceum Theatre. Though primarily administrative, these roles afforded him access to the literary and social scenes of the times, enabling him to rub shoulders with notable figures such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and James McNeill Whistler. Concurrently, Stoker began cultivating his interests in writing. In addition to Dracula, his novels include The Lady of the Shroud and The Lair of the White Worm. He also engaged in journalistic work with The London Daily Telegraph.

Stoker died on April 20, 1912, in London. His death marked the loss of an innovator who is now considered an icon for his contributions to Gothic and and horror literature. Influencing countless adaptations in literature, film, and television, Dracula lives on, securing its creator's legacy among the world's literary greats.